Germany Eases: Germany has taken a significant stride in reforming its Citizenship Law. The approved legislation, endorsed by centre-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition, focuses on integration and attracting skilled workers by relaxing citizenship rules and eliminating dual citizenship restrictions.
Under the new law, individuals can qualify for citizenship after residing in Germany for five years, reduced to three years with special integration accomplishments.
Germany Eases Points
German-born children automatically acquire citizenship if one parent has been a resident for five years, down from the previous eight years.
Notably, the legislation abolishes restrictions on dual citizenship, a departure from the previous requirement for most non-European Union citizens to renounce their original nationality upon obtaining German citizenship.
The government underscores that over 12 million out of 84.4 million inhabitants, around 14% of the population, lack German citizenship. Approximately 5.3 million of them have resided in Germany for at least a decade.
Despite a reported naturalization rate below the EU average, these reforms aim to streamline the process and foster a more inclusive society.
While maintaining the commitment to the free democratic fundamental order for citizenship applicants, the updated version explicitly deems antisemitic and racist acts incompatible with this commitment.
Despite recent government challenges, these reforms signify a noteworthy progression in shaping Germany’s social and immigration policies, reflecting a commitment to diversity and integration.
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